---
title: "Set up two-factor authentication"
description: "Choose how MyAccount sends your two-factor code, by text message or Google Authenticator, and download your 10 backup codes for when your phone is not at hand."
content_type: "how-to"
product: "account"
platform: "MyAccount"
url: "/myaccount/account/how-to/set-up-two-factor-authentication/"
topic: ["account-security"]
---

# Set up two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication protects every MyAccount login from the moment you sign up, and it stays
on. When you sign in, you enter a second code after your password. What you choose is
how the code reaches you: by text message to your registered mobile number, which is where every
account starts, or from the Google Authenticator app. You also have 10 backup codes for when neither
is at hand.

## Before you begin

You need to be signed in to MyAccount. To use Google Authenticator, install the app on your phone
first.

## Choose text message or Google Authenticator

1. Go to **Settings** > **Security**.
2. Under **2-Factor Authentication**, choose how you want to receive your code:
   - Text message to your registered mobile number. Choose it if your phone always has signal. The
     code goes to the mobile number on your profile.
   - **Google Authenticator**. Choose it if you sign in where text messages are slow to arrive, or
     often travel. The app makes the code on your phone, without a text message.

Only one method is on at a time. Choosing one turns the other off, and signs out your sessions on
other devices.

## Set up Google Authenticator

1. In **Settings** > **Security**, under **2-Factor Authentication**, choose
   **Google Authenticator**. A QR code opens.
2. In Google Authenticator on your phone, scan the QR code. The app adds an entry with the issuer
   **E2E Networks** and starts showing six-digit codes.
3. In **Enter Code**, enter the code the app shows.
4. Click **Enable**.

From your next sign-in, the **2-Factor Authentication** screen asks for the six-digit code from the
app instead of a text message. Your other sessions are signed out, so sign in again on your other
devices with the app's code.

To go back to text messages, choose the text message option under **2-Factor Authentication**. Codes
then go to your registered mobile number again, and your other sessions are signed out.

## Save your backup codes

You have 10 backup codes, each eight characters long. Each code works once, in place of the text
message or the app's code, when your phone is not at hand.

Until the codes are downloaded, the owner sees a **2-Factor Authentication** pop-up. Click
**Download Codes** to save them, or **Remind Me Later** to do it another time.

To see your codes at any time, or to make new ones:

1. Go to **Settings** > **Security**, and under **Backup Codes** click **Show Backup Code**
   (**Generate Backup Code** if you have none yet). **Save your backup codes** opens with your
   codes.
2. To make a new set, click **Get New Codes**. To save a copy, click **Download**. **Close** closes
   the dialog.

Keep them somewhere safe away from your phone, such as a password manager or a printed copy. To
use one at sign-in, click **Try another way** on the **2-Factor Authentication** screen, or
**Try Another Way?** when you use Google Authenticator; see
[Sign in and trust a device](/myaccount/account/how-to/sign-in-and-trust-a-device/#enter-your-second-code).

## Change where text message codes go

Text message codes always go to the mobile number on your profile. To send them to a new number,
change the number on **Basic Details**; see
[Change your mobile number](/myaccount/account/how-to/change-your-mobile-number/).

## If you lose your phone or app

If you have lost your phone or your authenticator app, sign in with one of your backup codes. Then
set up two-factor authentication again on a new phone, and make a new set of backup codes.

If you have no backup code either, only E2E support can let you back in. Write to
cloud-platform@e2enetworks.com or call +91-11-4117-1818.

Too many wrong codes pause sign-in for a while. Wait, then try again with a fresh code.

For the sign-in screens
and staying signed in on your own device, see
[Sign in and trust a device](/myaccount/account/how-to/sign-in-and-trust-a-device/).